Weeds, Seeds & Deeds: Recent Skirmishes in the Seed Wars

Authors

• Keith Aoki, University of Oregon School of Law

Abstract

The article examines the commodification of seed germplasm, tracing its evolution through technological advancements and legal frameworks that have transformed seeds from a shared resource into a corporate-controlled commodity. It critiques how intellectual property laws, particularly patent protections, have prioritized corporate interests over traditional farming practices and biodiversity. The analysis highlights the tension between private property rights and the commons, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both intellectual property and the preservation of genetic diversity.

Disciplines

Agriculture Law | Intellectual Property Law | Law

Recommended Citation

Keith Aoki, Weeds, Seeds & Deeds: Recent Skirmishes in the Seed Wars, 11 Cardozo J. Int'l & Comp. L. 247 (2003).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cjicl/vol11/iss2/3